Diplomats at the United Nations have called on Israel to adhere to its international obligations regarding the Gaza Strip, as the blockade on humanitarian deliveries continues. This comes after the official conclusion of phase one of the aid distribution last week, which has left the region's residents facing severe shortages of basic supplies. The calls for action intensify as the humanitarian crisis deepens and the international community pressures Israel to allow the entry of life-saving aid.

US President Donald Trump is temporarily pausing all pending US military aid for Ukraine. A White House official says Washington is reviewing whether billions of dollars given to Kyiv is contributing to a solution to end the war with Russia. Trump has criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky for suggesting the end of the war is likely far away, warning America won't put up with it for much longer. A meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday descended into a shouting match after Ukraine's leader demanded security guarantees.

Hamas has rejected Israel's demand for an extension to phase one of the Gaza ceasefire, accusing it of blackmail over releasing more captives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked life-saving aid into the strip drawing global condemnation and concerns.

US President Donald Trump signed an order making English the US’s official language, citing unity and efficiency. Critics call it divisive, targeting non-English speakers. The move makes translation services optional for federal agencies. Trump had previously courted Spanish-speaking voters but later removed the White House’s Spanish website. Over 32 states already recognise English as their official language. The US Census says one in five Americans speaks another language at home. The order could be revoked by a future administration.

In Ukraine, public support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy grows following a tense and controversial meeting at the White House. The three-way debate with Donald Trump and his vice president ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave, sparking criticism and concern.

Ukraine’s steel industry, vital to its economy, faces severe challenges as Russia now controls 13 of Ukraine’s 21 coke plants and many of its 150 coal mines since annexing Crimea in 2014. The loss of Azovstal and other plants has cut production, impacting exports and economic recovery. Steelworkers fear territorial concessions could permanently damage the sector. Russia’s control of ports has further strained exports, while potential US tariffs add to the difficulties. A major plant in Zaporizhzhia continues operating despite repeated attacks. The government has no clear plan for reclaiming lost industry. Trump’s stance raises concerns over Ukraine’s territorial future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to sign a mineral deal, securing vital resources for Ukraine’s economy. However, concerns persist over what security assurances the US will provide amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Over the past two days, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes across Syria, targeting areas in the south and near Damascus. At least one person has been killed, with Syrian leaders condemning the strikes as 'unprovoked attacks.' Earlier, Syria called on Israel to withdraw from territory it has occupied since the fall of the Assad regime in December.

Israel's military says it's been carrying out air strikes in southern Syria and outside the capital Damascus. The strikes reportedly hit command centres and military bases containing weapons - that's according to the Israeli military. At least one person was killed. Hours before the attacks, Syria condemned Israel's invasion of a buffer zone between Israel and Syria, calling for it to withdraw its forces. Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu says his troops will remain in the occupied Golan Heights “indefinitely.”

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is in Beijing for a three-day visit, as relations with China face challenges. The visit follows Chinese naval exercises off Australia’s east coast and concerns over Beijing’s expanding influence in the Pacific Islands.